In a commanding performance, the San Francisco 49ers topped the Arizona Cardinals 42-14 in Week 3 of the 2026 season. This victory solidified the 49ers' strong start to the season and kept them firmly in the playoff conversation, while the Cardinals were left searching for answers. Brock Purdy led the charge for San Francisco, throwing for an impressive 317 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dissect the Cardinals’ defense. George Kittle was his favorite target, amassing 98 receiving yards and contributing significantly to the offensive onslaught. Christian McCaffrey added a solid ground game with 41 rushing yards, helping to balance the attack. Defensively, the 49ers were relentless, with Dillon Thieneman leading the team with four total tackles and Nick Bosa contributing a sack to the mix. The turning point came in the second quarter when Purdy connected with Kittle for a touchdown that widened the gap, forcing Arizona to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. Although Isaiah Oliver of the Cardinals snagged two interceptions, it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum back in their favor.